|
|
2014/01: The Australian Open Tennis Championships: are there sufficient safeguards against the effects of hot weather
Introduction to the media issue
Video clip at right:On January 16, 2014, ABC News ran a report on the decision to invoke the extreme heat policy that day and halt games on the outside courts. If you cannot see this clip, it will be because video is blocked by your network. To view the clip, access from home or from a public library, or from another network which allows viewing of video clips.
What they said...
'Given the length of time tennis matches generally go for and the sweat rate of most normal, healthy athletes, they won't get to a state where they get too critically dehydrated'
The Australian Open's chief medical officer, Dr Tim Wood
'As much as it's easy to say the conditions are safe - a few people said there's doctors and stuff saying it's fine - it only takes one bad thing to happen'
British Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray
The issue at a glance
On Thursday, January 16, 2014, tournament referee, Wayne McEwen, applied the extreme heat policy at the Australian Open, suspending all play on outdoor courts and ordering the roofs closed on the Rod Laver Arena and the Hisense Arena.
This decision was taken on what was the third day during which players had had to compete in very high temperatures. Games proceeded the next day without postponements or the closing of the roofs, despite a continuance of the extreme heat.
A number of players have complained that the conditions were 'inhumane' and potentially placed players' health at risk. There have been calls to review the extreme heat policy and the manner in which it is implemented.
Others have argued that there was no real danger and that the conditions affected all players equally. The issue remains unresolved.